CD Reviews

Helluva Followup

Chris Gerbig | Ontario, Canada | 02/17/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The album cover shows five fairly effeminate looking rockers in their white "angel" outfits. But, don't worry, the glam rock phase won't come until later! These guys are still a helluva band, though not as aerial or pristine as on their awesome debut. There is more punch and crunch in such ballsy hard rockers as "Mirrors" and "Pressure Points". Prog rock and emotional melodies are still there on "The Fortune" and "Feelings" (songs more in the vein of the 1st album). Frank Dimino is a helluva good singer. Punky Meadows is reminiscent of Brian May. Giuffria is busy as ever painting his pictures on piano, clavinet, harpsichord, mellotron and synthesizer. Really, the last ARTISTIC Angel album before the move to a wholesale AOR/"pop metal"/stadium rock format. For me, they were never the same band after 1976. This one is smokin' though, in spite of 1 or 2 duff tracks. If you like the "Angel" album, you'll like this follow up."

This is perhaps the best Angel album (so far)

Scott "Dr. Music" Itter | 06/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While their first album was fantastic on its own, Helluva Band is by far the best. "Feelin' Right," with its driving guitar and the best guitar/keyboard solos ever, is the best cut on the LP. The production style of Derek Lawrence and Jim Sullivan, who also worked with the likes of Ritchie Blackmore among others, is superb. (The "so far" comment above? Angel has recorded a new CD called "In the Beginning" due out sometime this summer. I've heard a couple of cuts and it is vintage Angel!)"

"It's a real shame that this band is one of the forgotten, because this record is a classic. With high energy songs led by powerhouse vocals and dazzling keyboard effects, this is a must for all classic rock fans. "Feelin' Right" is the straight forward rocker that kicks off the record; and it's a song that utilizes the simple classic rock formula, while incorporating a sharp and resounding vocal track to do the driving. The swirling artistry of Giuffria's keyboards was really what Angel's existence was based on though. Even on a simple straight forward rocker like this opening track, Giuffria's presence is a constant. If it's not trading licks with guitarist Punky Meadows on "Feelin' Right", it's mesmerizing us with a four minute intro on "The Fortune". Every song contains a large dose of over-the-top keyboards from an amazing player. Speaking of "The Fortune".....it just happens to be the second track on the lp. A personal favorite of mine, "The Fortune" is a progressive masterpiece. A song that transmits emotion at every twist and turn. An ominous keyboard intro leads to a delicate acoustic guitar and voice moment, which ultimately culminates in a menacing jam where we hear from every member of the band. As the album progresses, we see the classic verse-chorus-verse formula put into dramatic effect. With songs like "Anyway You Want It", "Mirrors", and "Chicken Soup" Angel utilizes every element at their disposal to make simple classic rock songs sound like something special. The spark in these songs is usually Giuffria's keys, and when it's not..... you can count on Dimino's vocals to keep you entranced. The combination of these two entities is best heard on the eloquent ballad "Feelings". A soaring and passionate joining of a tremendous vocal effort, underscored by a classical inspired piano piece. Still, in my opinion, one of the most emotional and beautiful rock ballads ever. All of this talk about the singer and keyboard player leads one to believe that the band may be in need of a decent guitar player, right? Nah. Guitarist Punky Meadows leaves his mark on these songs also. Tracks such as "Angel Theme", which is for the most part a guitar solo, "Dr. Ice" and "Feelings" all contain excellent guitar parts. This is a rare case of a very good guitar player, sharing time with a literal genius on keyboards. Angel made this situation work unlike anyone else. And, finally, let's mention the rhythm section of drummer Barry Brandt and bassist Mickey Jones. Putting a solid backbone on all these tracks we lose sight of their important role here. With so much going on in front of them, they need to lay a thick foundation for all of these other elements to stand upon, and they do exactly that. Bassist Jones stays simple and steady, while Brandt bangs the skins with an intensity that stays consistent and solid. This record was an all around effort by a band that had reached their peak.

Angel attempted a reunion of sorts in 1999, in which they released an album entitled "In The Beginning". The record had original members Dimino and Brandt, being visited by Meadows and Jones' 1978 replacement on bass, Felix Robinson. The album saw no success, and the reunion effort soon dissipated. The chemistry and magic was with Angel for a very short period of time, and "Helluva Band" remains the best of that magical time.

For more Dr. Music reviews, visit www.new-sounds.com/DrMusic"

Angel's Best album

Scott "Dr. Music" Itter | 12/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Far and away the hardest and heaviest of Angel's first five studio albums.I'm curious to hear their new release albeit without several key members. Glad to see these released on cd, however Live Without A Net, On Earth As It Is In Heaven and Sinful albums are almost impossible to find on disc. Wassup?"

Classic Rock Defined.

Scott "Dr. Music" Itter | 10/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"ANGEL is a great band that only caught on within it's very hardcore fan base and that's all well and said, but the whole album and the ones before cement Angel in all our heart's. I only wish that the band member's try to get in touch with thier fan's that hung out all these year's waiting to hear whether on disk or LIVE! I think you guy's should consider a Tour there would be no problem booking the gig.I am not a crazy person, but as a very good bass player here in new jersey I feel you guy's should try one more time!"